Choral Program

Being of service to others and offering our gifts to God are integral in building Catholic identity within the student body. This is evident and on display in St. John the Baptist School's Choral Program, which consists of a Children's Choir, Clover Choir, and Chamber Singers:

  • The Children's Choir is the beginning choir open to students in grades 3-5.
  • The intermediate Clover Middle School Choir is an auditioned group open to students in grades 6-8.
  • The Chamber Singers are a small advanced ensemble of voices chosen from members of the Clover Choir.

Additionally all students in grades 7-8 have the opportunity to join the handbell choir class held during the school day.

Explore Our Choirs

Children's Choir

St. John the Baptist Catholic School Choir Program children singing at the annual Christmas play.

The St. John the Baptist Children's Choir is open to all students in grades 3-5. Singing in a choir can be lots of fun! Choristers are given the opportunity to serve and develop an identity as a life long worship leader and participant in the church.

There are no auditions.

Parent help is needed with robe fittings during rehearsals, snacks, sign-ups, and Sunday Mass preparation. Your support is appreciated!

Participation Fee

The fee to participate is $40 per student.

Participation Requirements

Parents and students are required to sign a participation contract to be issued a choir robe. Contracts will be available at the first rehearsal.

We ask that students not only attend rehearsals but also participate in the Sunday Masses and performance events scheduled on the calendar.

The choir also participates in the American Federation Pueri Cantores Treble Choir Festivals. The Federation Pueri Cantores is the Vatican-based official student choral organization of the Catholic Church. Please review the rehearsal schedule and calendar of events. Parents and students will be asked to commit to the schedule before they are issued music and a robe.

Attendance Requirements

  • Attend rehearsals and events that are scheduled unless prior notice is given to the director.
  • Sign the attendance log at each rehearsal and event.
  • Students must be picked up promptly at the end of rehearsals or they will be sent to extended care for supervision.

Performance Schedule 2019-2020

Family Mass

  • October 26
  • December 24 (Christmas Eve Mass) at 4:00 p.m.
  • January 19
  • February 23
  • May 24

School Christmas Program

  • December 10 at 7:00 p.m.
  • December 11 at 7:00 p.m.

American Federation Pueri Cantores
Choral Festival and Mass for Treble Choirs
Grades 4-8 Only
Christ Cathedral (map)

  • March 28 at 4:30 p.m.

Rehearsals

The choir rehearses on Thursdays from 2:30-3:45 p.m.

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Clover Choir

Clover Choir Heads to DC

Our award winning Clover Choir has toured the country participating in liturgies in some of the most beautiful historic U.S. cathedrals, including the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington, D.C., the Old Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in San Francisco and the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Members of the Clover Choir lead students in sung prayer as cantors at weekly Masses. The choristers also put their faith into action by volunteering and using their voices to create awareness of social issues. They actively serve in and around the parish community performing at events such as the gala hosted by the pro-life organization, Mary's Path. It has also been recognized by the Veterans Administration and Governor of California for its outstanding annual Veteran's Day programs.

St. John the Baptist is a member of the American Federation of Pueri Cantores. The choristers enjoy attending the AFPC festivals and look forward to them each year. AFPC has been a considerable benefit to the choral program at St. John. The students have developed an appreciation for the great music of the Catholic Church. They also get the opportunity to sing and worship with other students throughout the diocese, often bringing the repertoire from the festivals back to the parish liturgies.

"We are so proud of our Clover Choir. They represent the best of St. John the Baptist. Whenever they perform, whether it is at Mass or in the greater community, each chorister praises Our Lord by their gift of music and their behavior," said Fr. Patrick Foutts, the school's rector.

Performance Schedule 2019-2020

Festival of Children Concert
September 28, 2019 at 1:00 p.m.
South Coast Plaza Carousel Stage

Veterans Day Assembly
November 11, 2019 (Times TBA)

Open House 
January 26, 2020 at 2:00 p.m.
SJB

Vocal Clinics /Workshops (Mandatory)
March 10, 2020
Guest Clinician TBA

Boston Heritage Music Festival 
April 22 -26, 2020

  • Performance at a national music festival with positive, constructive adjudication, written and recorded comments from a panel of three nationally acclaimed adjudicators
  • On-stage mini clinic
  • Choral Master Class at Harvard University
  • Sightseeing activities including the Freedom Trail, Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, Blue Man Group, guided tour Boston, Mass at Boston Basilica Our Lady of Perpetual Help 

Diocesan Choral Festival 
May 2020  (Date TBA)

Southern California Vocal Association Middle School Choral Festival 
May 2020 (Date TBA )

Baccalaureate Mass 
June 12, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.
SJB

Rehearsals

The Clover Choir rehearses after school until 4:00 p.m. every Monday from August through January (and until 4:30 p.m. some Tuesdays when needed). The choir also rehearses until 4:00 p.m. every Monday and until 4:30 p.m. every Tuesday from February through April.